The LPG install needs looking at to see how tidy it is. It depends on the care and skill of the installer. Luckily the 80 series engine bay is spacious, so there is plenty of room to install the components needed!
I feel that a good working LPG system on an 80 gives good advantages, and adds to the usefulness and usability of the truck;
Much cheaper fuel price, normally about 60p/l
A much more modern ECU that can be remapped, jets can be changed and pressures increased to give more power.
A second fuel tank for increased range.
If you present the vehicle running on LPG at the MOT test, it is tested on LPG and will easily pass emissions.
However some disadvantages:
Fuel is not always found directly on route, some route planning is needed so you can keep the tank filled. (there is an app for this, its very easy)
You will want a larger tank, and it takes room in the vehicle, compromises such as carrying a spare wheel or less luggage room may have to be made, slight weight and payload penalty.
You may lose slightly on fuel economy, perhaps up to 10% and you have to factor in valve lubricant too which is quite expensive.
You have an increased maintenance cost, (there are 2 filters in the gas line, you need to check for leaks with leak detector spray, you need to keep an eye on the dosing rate of the valve saver lubricant, top up and adjust)
Even though you don't have to worry about the emissions test, you still need your 1FZ-FE running perfectly to keep the fuel efficiency. so you have to get it put on the emissions tester and do any Lambda probe repairs etc. anyway.
The big worry is the risk of increased valve seat wear. However,
If you have a working valve lubrication system this shouldn't be a problem.
It takes many, many miles to wear the valve seats, and you will very quickly save enough money in fuel to offset any repair cost anyway, plus you can replace the headgasket at the same time.
The engine needs the valve clearances checked and set anyway, this is very rarely done.
You could check the valve seats before buying a truck by doing a cylinder leak down test.
Toyota put the 1FZ-E in a forklift truck, running on LPG.
If you want the truck for serious overlanding, diesel wins hands down. You can carry more fuel, it uses it more efficiently, more water resistant, you can use varied quality of diesel (or kerosene, or heavy oil), more torque, better engine braking...
Personally I prefer a petrol 80, its has pretty quick acceleration, even when heavily laden. Sounds great. Has the auto gearbox which I prefer and makes a nicer drive.
I don't use mine for serious overlanding, just towing a trailer, cruising down to the south of france loaded with camping gear, a bit of green laning, driving to work, taking 8 people places at a time. Driving through snow or bad weather. That sort of thing.
Try both petrol and diesel, but don't rule out a tidy truck just because it has LPG!
I feel that a good working LPG system on an 80 gives good advantages, and adds to the usefulness and usability of the truck;
Much cheaper fuel price, normally about 60p/l
A much more modern ECU that can be remapped, jets can be changed and pressures increased to give more power.
A second fuel tank for increased range.
If you present the vehicle running on LPG at the MOT test, it is tested on LPG and will easily pass emissions.
However some disadvantages:
Fuel is not always found directly on route, some route planning is needed so you can keep the tank filled. (there is an app for this, its very easy)
You will want a larger tank, and it takes room in the vehicle, compromises such as carrying a spare wheel or less luggage room may have to be made, slight weight and payload penalty.
You may lose slightly on fuel economy, perhaps up to 10% and you have to factor in valve lubricant too which is quite expensive.
You have an increased maintenance cost, (there are 2 filters in the gas line, you need to check for leaks with leak detector spray, you need to keep an eye on the dosing rate of the valve saver lubricant, top up and adjust)
Even though you don't have to worry about the emissions test, you still need your 1FZ-FE running perfectly to keep the fuel efficiency. so you have to get it put on the emissions tester and do any Lambda probe repairs etc. anyway.
The big worry is the risk of increased valve seat wear. However,
If you have a working valve lubrication system this shouldn't be a problem.
It takes many, many miles to wear the valve seats, and you will very quickly save enough money in fuel to offset any repair cost anyway, plus you can replace the headgasket at the same time.
The engine needs the valve clearances checked and set anyway, this is very rarely done.
You could check the valve seats before buying a truck by doing a cylinder leak down test.
Toyota put the 1FZ-E in a forklift truck, running on LPG.
If you want the truck for serious overlanding, diesel wins hands down. You can carry more fuel, it uses it more efficiently, more water resistant, you can use varied quality of diesel (or kerosene, or heavy oil), more torque, better engine braking...
Personally I prefer a petrol 80, its has pretty quick acceleration, even when heavily laden. Sounds great. Has the auto gearbox which I prefer and makes a nicer drive.
I don't use mine for serious overlanding, just towing a trailer, cruising down to the south of france loaded with camping gear, a bit of green laning, driving to work, taking 8 people places at a time. Driving through snow or bad weather. That sort of thing.
Try both petrol and diesel, but don't rule out a tidy truck just because it has LPG!
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